COGNITIVE EMPOWERMENT AND
Information Sheet for
Health Professionals
WELL-BEING COURSE
INTRODUCTION:
Cognitive stimulation programmes benefit people with mild cognitive
impairment or early dementia and the effects can benefit over and above the effects of any medication
(Cochrane Review 2012). Research has identified positive results can be expected from computer cognitive
stimulation in working memory, reasoning and executive function, verbal and spatial memory, attention and
concentration, language, and cognitive processing speed.
There are extensive documents by the Alzheimer’s Societies of both Ireland and the UK which promote the need
for (a) early diagnosis, (b) support upon diagnosis and (c) early interventions to promote maintaining cognitive
functions as long as possible, and (d) support to learn how to ‘live well with dementia’. The same can be applied
to people with mild cognitive impairment.
A cognitive stimulation group will run 10:00 to 12:00 Friday mornings from May 02 to July 25 at the
Bridge Street Centre, Cavan.
The purpose of this group is to enable interested people with mild cognitive
impairment or mild dementia to learn how to use computer games and
stimulatory exercises in order to enhance their current cognitive abilities and to
delay further deterioration for as long as possible.
OBJECTIVES:
This intervention is wellness focussed and fosters the principle of personal empowerment in line with current
government policies. It uses the principles of health promotion. It follows rehabilitation principles which stress
the prevention and remediation of functional impairments.
The group process will facilitate socialization, provide encouragement,
and enhance mood. Individualized cognitive stimulation in a group
context will develop peer support maximize motivation and
commitment.
Game interventions on the Wii, which provide friendly competitive
gaming and physical movement for three or four individuals at one time, will
provide fun and enjoyment. This breaks down social barriers and leads to
friendships and social support.
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The Cognitive Empowerment and Well-Being course will be geared toward encouraging
individuals to take purposeful action to maintain their own cognitive abilities and personal
functioning for as long as possible. The Cognitive Empowerment and Well-Being course
stresses personal empowerment, while at the same time developing friendships which
will build support networks for the future.
It is hoped that individuals will become confident in the use of cognitive
interventions and will then engage with commercially available cognitive
stimulation packages at home - perhaps with carer support - as a commitment to
personal cognitive fitness and personal empowerment. This enables the effects
of the group to be ongoing.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:
Worldwide research shows that the following interventions improve cognition and decrease the speed of
deterioration: (a) physical exercise, (b) socialization, and (c) diet.
While the Cognitive Empowerment and Well-Being group will focus on the cognitive stimulation, individual group
members will be encouraged to increase their levels of physical fitness either individually or as a group (gym,
swimming, bowling, walking, etc). A series of talks by a nutritional therapist concerning the impact of diet on
cognition will be arranged and it is hoped that carers and other interested individuals will attend.
Venue: Bridge Street Centre, Bridge Street, Cavan town
Date: Fridays 10:30 – 12:30; 02 May to 01 August 2014. If successful, further
dates will be arranged and a waiting list will be held.
Contact: Dr. Mark Brown, Senior Occupational Therapist, Mental Health Team for the Elderly, Cavan General
Hospital, Tel: 086 029 6634 or 049 437 6436
Reference: Woods, B; Aguirre, E; Spector, AE; Orrell, M. Cognitive stimulation to improve cognitive functioning in people with dementia.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2012
SPONSORSHIP
The initiative is sponsored by CAMCAS (Cavan and Monaghan Community Services). CAMCAS head office is based in Ballyconnell, and
they are currently funded under the ‘Community Services Programme’ by the Department of Social Protection (DSP). CAMCAS is a
‘supporting partner’ in the Cavan and Monaghan regions on age friendly actions under themes such as Housing, Social Inclusion and
Social Participation. They have formed a partnership with Independent Living Ireland Ltd, and showcase Telecare / Telehealth appliances
in Ballyconnell with the objective of supporting independent living and re-ablement programmes. For further information on their services,
contact the office on 049 952 7384 or visit their website www.camcas.ie.
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